Who is eligible for the Fellowship?

Fellow candidates must be past or current residents of North Carolina or South Carolina and/or a graduate of a college or university in North Carolina or South Carolina. Preference will be given to candidates with one to two years of work experience after obtaining an undergraduate degree or to candidates with a graduate degree. A demonstrated interest in the nonprofit sector and strong leadership skills exhibited in previous academic or professional experiences are also encouraged.

When is the application deadline?

Please check back this fall for information about 2011-2013 Fellowship application.

What are the qualities of the ideal Fellow?

The ideal Duke Endowment Fellow is forward-thinking and innovative, yet respectful of different points of view. He or she is motivated, energetic and self directed. Fellows should have good oral and written communication skills, work effectively on teams, and interact well with people from diverse backgrounds.

What educational credentials should a Fellow have?

Fellows should have an undergraduate or graduate degree. Preference will be given to candidates with one to two years of work experience after obtaining an undergraduate degree or to candidates with a graduate degree. The Endowment has employed five fellows thus far. One had a juris doctorate, three held undergraduate degrees, and one had a master’s degree in social work.

Why is the Endowment expressing an interest in candidates with prior work experience?

The Fellowship experience is a unique opportunity for professional development. As the program has evolved in scope and definition, both the Fellow and the Endowment benefit if the Fellow has work experience or graduate-level training before beginning the program.

What is the time commitment?

The program is a full-time commitment for two years. Fellows typically begin work and end their position in the summer. However, we have had a Fellow begin work in the spring.

How many Fellows work at the Endowment at a time?

Typically, one fellow is selected each year, and the fellowship lasts two years, so there are two Fellows at the Endowment every year. Fellows work together on recruiting and occasional special projects.

How is the Fellow compensated?

Fellows receive $43,000 the first year and $46,000 the second year, plus paid vacation time. They also have full benefits, including life, medical and dental insurance, wellness benefits and participation in a 401(k) plan. Fellows receive a stipend for moving expenses and travel reimbursement (moderate travel is required).

What is a typical day like for a Fellow?

Each day is different. Fellows travel to nonprofits for site visits, attend program meetings, research philanthropic projects, attend regional and national conferences and recruit for the fellowship position. Some weeks, Fellows spend every day in the Endowment offices in Charlotte; other weeks, Fellows travel across North Carolina and South Carolina on site visits.

What is the capstone project?

Fellows complete a signature project, or capstone project, that they work on throughout their two years. The project can take a variety of forms, from facilitating an innovative collaboration in the nonprofit sector to lending time and expertise to a nonprofit supported by the Endowment. Capstone projects should be meaningful and interesting to the Fellow and within the scope of the Endowment's work.

What is the application process like?

Up to 15 applicants are interviewed by telephone in late January; six to eight semi-finalists come to Charlotte for a second round lunch interview in early February. The top three finalists will be invited for a panel review in mid-February at The Duke Endowment offices in Charlotte.